The finalists for the 2025 Civil Contractors Federation NSW (CCF NSW) People Awards have been announced, and Daracon Group’s Workforce Development Lead, Ana Saiao has been named among them.
Ana is a finalist in the Women in Civil Construction Excellence Award category, a recognition of her dedication to promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The award celebrates women in civil construction who demonstrate outstanding leadership, and actively champion and empower other women across the industry. Ana has proactively delivered a range of diversity and inclusion promoting initiatives across not only the Group, but the wider industry.
In her dual roles on the Hexham Straight Widening Alliance, partly funded via the Women in Construction Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program, Ana has been responsible for delivering social procurement outcomes and for identifying and addressing barriers to female engagement across the construction industry.
Her work in this space has resulted in Indigenous and female pre-employment programs that created real job opportunities, the SheBuilds soft-skills program that empowers women through confidence and professional development, and “CED Talks” to encourage collaboration and learning across teams.
Ana also played a key role in improving female-friendly site facilities, introducing designated amenities, better lighting and tailored PPE. Many of her initiatives have now been shared and adopted across the wider Daracon Group, as well as other Women in Construction programs throughout New South Wales.
Daracon Group’s Senior HR Specialist – Compliance, Diversity and Inclusion, Emma Morson said Ana’s leadership has had a tangible and lasting impact for not just Daracon, but the wider industry.
“Her ability to connect with people, deliver meaningful programs and influence cultural change is exactly what this award represents. We’re incredibly proud to see her recognised for her efforts.”
Winners of the CCF NSW 2025 People Awards will be announced at the CCF NSW People Awards Gala on Friday, 5 December.
IMAGE | Daracon Group’s Workforce Development Lead, Ana Saiao has been named a finalist for the 2025 Civil Contractors Federation NSW People Awards.
